Pom-pom and Methods Thereof

ABSTRACT

A pom and method of making the same includes a number of sheets bound to form a core and having fingers extending from the core to form an outer shape. Slits along the sheets receive a binding tie allowing penetration of the tie to correctly align the edges of the sheets.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/626,211, filed on Feb. 5, 2018, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, and including at least those portions concerning devices, systems, and methods related to pom-poms.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to pom-poms, and more specifically to pom-poms and their methods of assembly.

Pom-poms are useful for a variety of tasks, but perhaps are most commonly associated with entertainment. Pom-poms are often constructed of a number of loose strands or ribbons extending from a handle to be grasped by a user's hand. The appearance, movement, and functionality of pom-poms can change according to their construction.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure may comprise one or more of the following features and combinations thereof.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a pom-pom for creating an entertaining effect may include a number of sheets each extending longitudinally for a length between ends and having a width defined between longitudinal sides. The sheets may each include at least two strips extending between the longitudinal ends and divided by a longitudinal line of slits, adjacent slits separated from each other by a link, and a number of fingers extending from each of the strips. The fingers may be defined between slices in the sheet that extend between one respective strip and one corresponding longitudinal side of the sheet. Each finger may have a bound end connected with the respective strip and a loose end defined at the longitudinal side of the sheet to form an outer shape of the pom-pom. A tie for binding the links into a core may be arranged along the line of slits and binding the links into the core by tight circumferential extension about the links to compress the links relative to the strips.

In some embodiments, the slits may each have a length within a range of 0.7 to 1.125 inches. In some embodiments, the links may each have a length within a range of 0.18 to 0.25 inches. In some embodiments, the tie may be arranged to tightly bind the links to form retention bodies to maintain the tie along the slits.

In some embodiments, at least one of the number of sheets may be formed of stretchy and resilient material. In some embodiments, at least one of the number of sheets may be formed of material different from another one of the number of sheets. In some embodiments, each of the fingers may have the same shape and size. In some embodiments, each finger may be arranged opposite another finger relative to the line of slits.

In some embodiments, the number of sheets may include at least two sheets bound together by the tie. In some embodiments, the at least two sheets may be arranged bunched and stacked together aligning their slits. In some embodiments, the number of sheets may be bound by the tie to define a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere of the outer shape of the pom-pom as spherical. In some embodiments, the number of sheets may include at least two sheets that are bound by the tie to define the first hemisphere and the second hemisphere of the outer shape. A first portion of each of the at least two sheets may form the first hemisphere and second portion of each of the at least two sheets may form the second hemisphere.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of forming a pom-pom including a number of sheets each extending longitudinally for a length between ends and having a width defined between longitudinal sides. The sheets may each include at least two strips extending between the longitudinal ends and divided by a longitudinal line of slits, adjacent slits separated from each other by a link, and a number of fingers extending from each of the strips. The fingers may be defined between slices in the sheet that extend between one respective strip and one corresponding longitudinal side of the sheet. Each finger may have a bound end connected with the respective strip and a loose end defined at the longitudinal side of the sheet to form an outer shape of the pom-pom. A tie may bind the links into a core. The tie may be arranged along the line of slits and binding the strips into the core by tight circumferential extension about the links to compress the links relative to the strips. The method may include bunching each of the number of sheets, holding at least one of the strips in place, and binding each of the number of sheets by tightening the tie about the links along the slits.

In some embodiments, the slits may each have a length within a range of 0.7 to 1.125 inches. In some embodiments, the links may each have a length within a range of 0.18 to 0.25 inches.

In some embodiments, the number of sheets may include at least two sheets. In some embodiments, bunching the number of sheets may include bunching one of the at least two sheets and bunching another one of the at least two sheets. In some embodiments, holding at least one of the strips may include holding at least one of the strips of the one of the at least two sheets and holding at least one of the strips of the another one of the at least two sheets. In some embodiments, holding at least one of the strips may include holding at least one of the strips of each of the one of the at least two sheets and holding at least one of the strips of the another one of the at least two sheets to align their lines of slits. In some embodiments, holding at least one of the strips may include pinning at least one of the strips of at least one of the bunched sheets with at least one prong of a holding means for retaining the at least one bunched sheet in position for binding.

These and other features of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description of the illustrative embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pom-pom showing that it includes a number of strands extending from a core, the strands being loose on a free end and being formed as fingers of multiple sheets secured bunched together;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view a single unbunched sheet of material of the pom-pom of FIG. 1 showing that the sheet includes fingers formed as fringe(s) along the longitudinal (upper and lower) sides of the sheet;

FIG. 3 is an overhead plan view of a number of sheets of material of the pom-pom of FIG. 1, the sheets being stacked and laying flat to show that a line of slits is cut into the sheets along a centerline, the slits spaced apart from each other by connective material, and showing that material strips extend longitudinally (horizontally) on either side (upper and lower) of the line of slits;

FIG. 4 is an overhead plan view of a single sheet of material of FIG. 3 showing that the slits have been extended (stretched) to form openings for receiving a binding tie along the line of slits for securing around the sheets and showing that the openings have edges which assist in maintaining the binding tie in place along the centerline;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the stack of sheets of FIG. 3 showing that a binding tie is aligned with the line of slits and showing that the sheets have drape and are bunched to form the pom-pom;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic side view of the pom-pom of FIG. 1 with the outer loose ends of the fingers swept away to show the pom-pom has a core that is bound by the binding tie and showing that the edges of the slits form retention stops to prevent slippage of the sheets and to maintain the binding tie within the line of slits;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a hold device for assembling the pom-pom of FIG. 1, showing that the hold device includes a base and hold features formed as pairs of prongs for holding the sheets for assembly, and showing that the pair of prongs are spaced apart from each other to define a gap for passing the binding tie to secure around the sheets when hold by the pairs of prongs;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the hold device of FIG. 7 showing a bunched sheet held within the pairs of prongs and showing that the line of slits is aligned with the gap defined between the pairs of prongs for receiving the binding tie;

FIG. 9 is perspective view of another embodiment of a hold device for assembly of the pom-pom of FIG. 1, showing that the hold device includes a base and pairs of prongs arranged to hold the bunched sheets, each prong of a pair facing the other prong of the pair and the pairs spaced apart from each other to form a gap for receiving the binding tie, and showing that adjacent prongs of different pairs are commonly mounted and at least one set of the commonly mounted set of prongs are removably attached to the base;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the hold device of FIG. 9 having one of the commonly mounted sets of prongs removed from the base;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the hold device of FIGS. 9 and 10 showing that two bunched sheets are held within the prongs in a stacked arrangement and having their slits aligned with the gap between the pairs of prongs to receive a binding tie;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a hold device for assembly of the pom-pom of FIG. 1, showing that the hold device includes a base and a number of pairs of prongs, each of the pair spaced apart from each other to define a gap for receiving the binding tie, each prong connected to the base at a joint that is bendable to allow the prong to move between a release position (vertical) and a hold position (lateral);

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one of the sheets of material of the pom-pom of FIG. 1 being threaded by its slits onto a mounting tube and showing that another sheet has been threaded and bunched onto the mounting tube;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the hold device of FIG. 12 receiving a bunched sheet, and showing that the mounting tube is placed over one of the pair of prongs in the release position and the bunched sheet is slid down the tube onto the prongs;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the hold device of FIG. 14 showing that the tube has been removed from the prongs and the prongs have been moved into the hold position to pin the bunched sheet to maintain alignment of the sheet for binding;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the hold device of FIG. 15 showing a number of bunched sheets pinned into place by respective pairs of prongs and receiving the binding tie secured around the sheets at the slits to from the core;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the hold device of FIG. 16 showing that the core has been formed and the prongs have each been moved into the release position to allow the pom-pom to be removed from the hold device;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a hold device similar to the hold device of FIG. 12 showing that prongs are formed of flexible tubing having resilient bias outward from the centerline in opposite directions into a hold position to pin the bunched sheet to maintain alignment of the sheet for binding;

FIG. 19 is a process flow diagram of an assembly process of the pom-poms of the present disclosure including bunching a sheet of material, holding the bunched sheet, optionally repeating bunching and holding with additional sheets, and binding the core.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to a number of illustrative embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same.

Pom-poms can provide enjoyment and entertainment for persons promoting their interests, for example, cheerleaders and/or spectators cheering for their team during a sporting event. Pom-poms typically provide a soft, flowable exterior which creates certain visual effect. The soft, flowable exterior can also provide a suitable contact surface for adapted use, such as in applying a substance to another surface, cleaning, and/or polishing.

An illustrative embodiment of a pom (or pom-pom) 10 is shown in FIG. 1. The pom 10 illustratively has a spherical outer shape defined by fringe fingers 12 extending outward from a center 14. As discussed in additional detail herein, the fingers 12 are illustratively formed of portions of sheets of material which are tightly bound near the center 14 to create core 16. The fingers 12 each project from the core 16 to a loose end 18 to create the outer shape of the pom 10.

In the illustrative embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, an unbound sheet of material 20 demonstrates the drape of the fingers 12. The loose ends 18 of the fingers 12 having a malleable, flowing construction allowing the loose ends 18 to wave when the core 16 is shaken rustling the outer shape of the pom 10 to create an entertaining shimmering effect. The character of the waving movement of the loose ends 18, such as the speed, bounce, and degree of uniformity can be affected by the particular construction of the core 16, by the density of the fingers 12, material type, among other factors. For example, a high number (density) of fingers 12 can produce a highly responsive wave compared with lower number (density) of fingers 12. Among poms having similar size and construction of fingers 12, the stability in binding of the core 16 can determine the uniformity of the outer shape and/or the visual effects from shaking or moving the pom as discussed in additional detail herein.

Referring to FIG. 3, the fingers 12 of each sheet 20 are illustratively defined along each longitudinal side edge 24, 26 of the sheet 20. The finger 12 are illustratively defined by cuts 22 in the material freeing each finger 12 from its adjacent finger 12 for movement. The cuts 22 are illustratively formed successively along each longitudinal side edge 24, 26 between longitudinal ends 28, 30 of the sheet 20. Adjacent fingers 12 are illustratively formed without a gap therebetween, but in some embodiments, a gap may exist between adjacent fingers 12.

Each sheet 20 illustratively includes a pair of strips 32 extending between the longitudinal ends 28, 30 of the sheet 20. As shown in FIG. 3, each strip 32 is illustratively arranged to extend generally orthogonally from the fingers 12. A line of slits 34 is defined between the strips 32. The line of slits 34 illustratively extends longitudinally between the ends 28, 30 along a centerline 35. The slits 34 are illustratively formed as equally sized and evenly spaced slices in the sheet 20. Adjacent slits 34 are illustratively spaced apart from each other by material links 36 which bridge along the centerline 35 and join the strips 32. Each slit 34 has a longitudinal length l, the design of which has been discovered to influence the construction of the pom 10 as discussed herein. The slits 34 permit a tight binding to be formed about the sheet 20 to create the core 16.

Referring to FIG. 4, stressing the sheet 20 illustratively expands the slits 34 to show their openings 38. The openings 38 are defined by slit edges 40 that are illustratively longitudinal edges. As discussed in additional detail below, as the sheet 20 is bound to form the core 16, the slit edges 40 form retention members 42 (as best indicated in FIG. 6) to assist in maintaining alignment of the components.

Referring to FIG. 5, a number of sheets 20 are illustratively stacked together and partially bunched along their centerlines 35. The sheets 20 are partially bunched by shortening their length between ends 28,30 creating ruffles 47. A tie 44 is illustratively aligned with the centerlines 35 of sheets 20 to be looped around the sheets 20 (as indicated by the arrows 37) to bind the bunched sheets 20. The tie 44 is illustratively embodied as a cable tie fastener (also known as a zip tie) adapted for ratcheted binding. An suitable example cable tie fastener includes Ty-rap® fasteners available from Thomas & Betts Corporation of Memphis, Tenn. The tie 44 illustratively includes a ratchet receiver 46 adapted to receive its tail 48 for fixed ratcheting engagement along the length of the tie 44.

As shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 6, the tie 44 has been securely looped, fastened, and tightened significantly about the centerlines 35 of the sheets 20 to compress the links 36 separating the slits 34. The core 16 is formed by the bound portions of the sheets 20 including the compressed links 36. The strips 32 and fingers 12 illustratively extend from the core 16 and define hemispherical portions 50. The hemispherical portions 50 are formed from fingers 12 of each of the stacked sheets 20 on corresponding longitudinal side edges 26,28. Although the tie 44 is generally hidden from view on complete binding of the sheets 20, buried within the fingers 12 (as suggested in FIG. 1), the distinct hemispherical portions 50 are illustratively shown with emphatic separation for descriptive ease.

As shown in FIG. 6, the tie 44 is illustratively bound along the centerlines 35, tightly compressing the links 36 between the slits 34. The openings 38 of the slits 34 allow additional shrinkage of the core 16 to permit formation of the retention members 42 as abutments on each side of the tie 44 by the slit edges 40. The retention members 42 block the tie 44 from movement out from alignment with the centerlines 35 by remaining less compressed than the core 16, creating the retention members 42 as an abutment edge. Accordingly, the tie 44 is maintained along the slits 34, retaining the strips 32 of the sheet 20 in alignment with each other to maintain the uniform spherical outer shape of the pom 10. An example of a suitable pom construction having similar approach to binding can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 9,187,850, filed on Jun. 22, 2011, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, including at least those portions related to pom-poms and their construction.

Returning briefly to FIG. 3, as previously mentioned the particular construction of the core 16 can affect the character of the pom 10. For example, the inventor of the present disclosure has discovered that particular sizing of the slits 34 can enhance the structure of the core 16, without sacrificing the integrity of the core 16 and/or the flowable material characteristics of the fingers 12. For a given longitudinal length of the sheets 20 and number of slits 34, the longitudinal length/of each slits 34 is inversely proportionate to the amount of material forming the links 36 between the slits 34. Thus, increasing the length/of the slits 34 reduces the longitudinal length of the links 36, and thus reduces the amount of the material joining the strips 32. Accordingly, slits 34 which are too long can weaken the core 16, while slits 34 which are too small can reduce the retention ability of the retention members 42. By forming the slits 34 to a have a longitudinal length/within the range of about 0.7 inches to about 1.125 (1⅛) inches, an enhanced core 16 can be formed. Accordingly, with these critical dimensions, unexpected improvements over existing designs can be achieved to form pom having enhanced strength, accuracy, and/or form.

Returning to FIG. 6, the enhanced core 16 can result in a greater difference in radial extent between the bound portion of the sheets 20 along the centerlines 35 (primarily the links 36 between the slits 34) and the retention members 42, i.e., the links 36 can be compressed to shrink more than the retention members 42. The tie 44 can therefore be embedded deeper into the center 14. The greater radial extension of the retention members 42 provides a greater abutment edge and significantly enhances the ability to maintain the tie 44 in alignment with the centerlines 35. Moreover, as the sheets 20 are bunched and bound together, the greater difference in radial extent between the bound portion of the sheets 20 and the retention members 42 provides greater engagement of the tie 44 with each sheet 20. The greater engagement between the tie 44 and each sheet 20 reduces of the ability of the sheets 20 to shift any of its slits 34 out from alignment with the tie 44. Misalignment of the slits 34 of the sheets 20 can create misalignment of the nearby fingers 12 and their loose ends 18 compared to neighboring fingers 12 and can result in misshapen outer shapes of the pom 10. Accordingly, by maintaining the longitudinal length/of the slits 34 to be no less than about 0.7 inches and no greater than about 1.125 inches (1⅛ inches), the pom 10 is enhanced over previous designs. In some embodiments, the length/of the slits 34 may be about 1.125 inches.

Referring now to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 7, a hold device 60 is shown for assembling the pom 10. The hold device 60 illustratively includes a base 62 and pairs of prongs 64,66 extending from the base 62. Each pair of prongs 64, 66 illustratively form a hold feature for maintaining position of the sheet 20 during assembly to maintain proper alignment during binding. A gap 68 is defined between the pairs of prongs 64,66 to accept the tie 44. A handle strap 70 is shown secured with the tie 44 to provide an engagement member for a user's hand.

Each prong 64,66 has a bent shape having a retaining member 72 formed as an inflection point of the bent shape. The retaining members 72 of the prongs 64 project towards each other, and the retaining members 72 of the prongs 66 project towards each other. Each prong 64,66 includes a curved lower section 74 which connects with the base 62, and a slanted upper section 76. Lower sections 74 of each of the prongs 64 define a holding space 78 therebetween for receiving bunched sheets 20. The prongs 64,66 are resilient to permit the retaining members 72 of corresponding prongs 64,64 to be moved away from each other to allow passage of the bunched sheet 20 into the hold space 78. The lower sections 74 of the pairs of prongs are illustratively concave on the sides facing each other and extend from the base 62 to the retaining member 72. The retaining members 72 are illustratively arranged as the closest points of the complimentary pair of prong 64,66 to each other to block the bunched sheets 20 from exiting the holding space 78. The upper sections 76 illustratively extend upward from the retaining members 72 slanting away from the upper section 76 of the other prong of the pair 64,66.

As shown in FIG. 8, two bunched sheets are received within the hold space 78 aligning their slits 34 and centerlines 35. The fingers 12 of each side edge 24, 26 extend laterally (bottom left to top right, as shown in FIG. 8) generally perpendicular to the centerline 35. The bunched sheets 20 are inserted into the hold space 78 to pin the sheets 20 to align their slits 34. The pairs of prongs 64, 66 illustratively applies pinning pressure to the corresponding strip 32 to pin and align the sheets 20. In the illustrative embodiment, each bunch sheet 20 is inserted into the hold space 78 successively, but in some embodiments, more than one bunched sheet 20 may be inserted simultaneously. Upon properly pinned alignment, the tie 44 is tightened to bind the sheets 20 and form the core 16.

Referring to FIG. 9, another illustrative embodiment of a hold device 160 is shown. Hold device 160 is generally similar to hold device 60 and the disclosure of hold device 60 applies equally to hold device 160 except in instances of conflict with the specific disclosure of hold device 160. Hold device 160 illustratively includes a base 162, prongs 164,166 extending from the base 162 and each including a retaining member 172 and defining the hold space 178 for receiving the bunched sheets 20.

As shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 10, a set of prongs 180 180 including one of the prongs 164 and its adjacent prong 166 are removably engaged with the base 162. The set of prongs 180 are each illustratively secured to a plate 182. The plate 184 illustratively includes keys 184 embodied as cylindrical projections extending from a bottom side of the plate 184, opposite the prongs 164,166. The base 162 illustratively includes a mounting receptacle 186 for receiving the plate 182. Holes 188 are defined within the mounting receptacle 186 to receive the key 184 for securing the set 180 of prongs for holding the bunched sheet 20.

As shown in FIG. 11, two bunched sheets 20 are held within the hold space 78. The prongs 164,166 pin the respective strips 32. The sheets 20 are stacked with slit 34 aligned with the gap 68 and the tie 44 is tightened to form the core 16. Upon binding of the bunched sheets 20, the set of prongs 180 can be removed from the base 162 to allow ease of removal of the pom 10 from the hold space 78.

Referring to FIG. 12, another illustrative embodiment of a hold device 2060 is shown for holding bunched sheets 20 for binding. The hold device 2060 is similar to hold devices 60, 160 and the disclosure of hold devices 60,160 apply equally to hold device 2060 except in instances of conflict with the specific disclosure of hold device 2060. The hold device 2060 illustratively includes a base 2062 having pairs of prongs 2064, 2066, 2068, 2070 extending therefrom.

The pairs of prongs 2064, 2066, 2068, 2070 are arranged successively in two lines. The lines of prongs of each pair 2064, 2066, 2068, 2070 define a gap 68 therebetween for receiving tie 44. Each prong 2064, 2066, 2068, 2070 is positionable between a release position extending vertically for allowing mounting of bunched sheets 20 and a hold position extending horizontally to hold the bunch sheet 20 in place as suggested for the first pair 2064 in broken line in FIG. 12. In the illustrative embodiment, the stiffness of the prongs maintains the hold position and pins the sheets 20, but in some embodiments, fasteners may secure the ends of the prongs with the base 2062 to maintain the hold position until released.

In the illustrative embodiment, the prongs 2064, 2066, 2068, 2070 are formed of malleable wire. The prongs 2064, 2066, 2068, 2070 are fixed with the base at a connection 2072 and malleably bend to assume the release and hold positions. In some embodiments, the connection 2072 may include a hinge or other movable joint feature to support the range of positions and the prongs 2064, 2066, 2068, 2070 may be rigid. The slits 34 of a sheet 20 are penetrated and held with one of the pair of prongs 2064, 2066, 2068, 2070 to permit alignment and binding.

As shown in FIG. 13, an optional assembly process is shown. An assembly tube 2074 is threaded through the slits 34 of a sheet 20 a. The tube 2074 is illustratively formed as a hollow tube. In the illustrative embodiment, each slit 34 is threaded onto the assembly tube 2074 successively, in alternating direction to form ruffles, but in some embodiments, fewer than every slit 34 may be threaded. A bunched sheet 20 b is shown already threaded onto the tube 2074.

As shown in FIG. 14, the assembly tube 2074 is engaged with one of the pairs of prongs 2064, 2066, 2068, 2070. The tube 2074 illustratively remains threaded through the slits 34 of the bunched sheet 20. Each prong 2064 is inserted through an open end 2076 of the tube 2074 into the hollow interior. The bunched sheet 20 is illustratively slid (down in the orientation of FIG. 14) such that the prongs 2064 extend through the slits 34 of the sheet 20 while remaining within the tube 2074. The bunched sheet 20 can be slid into contact with the base 2062 near the connection 2072. Optionally, the slits 34 of the bunched sheet 20 can be threaded onto the prongs without the tube 2074.

As shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 15, the bunched sheet 20 has been slid down onto the base 2062 and the tube 2074 has been removed (slid up in the orientation of FIG. 15) from threading through the slits 34. The prongs 2064 remain threaded through the slits 34 and have been moved into the hold position to pin the bunched sheet 20 in place. In the illustrative embodiment, the prongs 2064 have been engaged to apply pinning pressure to the bunched sheet 20 to maintain alignment of the slits 34. One of the prongs 2064 illustratively pins a corresponding one of the strips 32. The other prong 2064 illustratively pins the other one of the strips 32. The prongs 2064 in the hold position illustratively extend generally perpendicular to the centerline 35 in opposite directions from each other to engage the bunched sheet 20. In the illustrative embodiment, a single bunched sheet 20 is pinned by the prongs 2064, but in some embodiments, more than one bunched sheet may be pinned by a pair of prongs. In some embodiments, the mailable wire may be bent farther from the connection 2072 to accommodate additional sheets 20.

Referring to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 16, bunched sheets 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, 20 d have each been pinned by corresponding pairs of prongs 2064, 2066, 2068, 2070 as previously discussed regarding prongs 2064. The sheets 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, 20 d are closely stacked together to align their slits 34 to form coincident centerlines 35.

The tie 44 is illustratively inserted in the gap 68 between each pair of prongs 2064, 2066, 2068, 2070. The tie 44 is wrapped around the bunched sheets 20 a-d and its tail 48 is threaded through its head 44. The tie 44 is tightened around the bunched sheets 20 a-d by pulling the tail 48 to ratchet further through the head 44 to bind the sheets 20 a-d to form the core 16. In the illustrative embodiment, the tie 44 is fully tightened before moving the prongs to the release position, but in some embodiments, may be partially tightened.

As shown in FIG. 17, upon suitable binding, the pairs of prongs 2064, 2066, 2068, 2070 are moved into the release position. In the release position, the pairs of prongs 2064, 2066, 2068, 2070 generally extend in the same direction (vertically in the orientation of FIG. 17) to permit the slits 34 to be slid off from threading over the prongs. The tie 44 being secured about the core 16 and binding the sheets 20 a-d, the pom 10 can be slid upward to remove the prongs from their respective slits 34.

By pinning each bunched sheet 20 before binding, proper alignment can be achieved creating a more consistent outer shape of the pom 10. By aligning the bunched sheets according to the slits 34, the tie 44 can be correctly placed for optimal core formation. Proper formation can reduce the amount of trimming of fingers 12 required to form the consistent outer shape, while increasing the binding strength of the core 16 and/or reducing the likelihood of slippage of the sheets 20.

Referring to FIG. 18, another illustrative embodiment of a hold device 3060 is shown for holding bunched sheets 20 for binding. The hold device 3060 is similar to hold devices 60, 160, 2060 and the disclosure of hold devices 60, 160, 2060 apply equally to hold device 3060 except in instances of conflict with the specific disclosure of hold device 3060. The hold device 3060 illustratively includes a base 3062 having pairs of prongs 3064, 3066 extending therefrom, although any suitable number of prongs may be applied.

The prongs 3064, 3066 are illustratively formed as flexible members having resilient bias outward from the centerline 35 in opposite directions into the hold position as shown in FIG. 18 to pin the bunched sheets 20 to maintain alignment of the sheets 20 for binding. The prongs 3064, 3066 can be moved against their bias into the vertical (release) position to receive mounting and dismounting of the sheets 20. The prongs of the pair 3064 are spaced apart from each other across the centerline 35 by an distance d at the base 3062 which corresponds to the size of the openings 38 of the slits 34 to apply outward force to the retention members 42 when the prongs 3064 are in the hold position to pin the bunched sheet 20. In the illustrative embodiment, the distance d is about 0.75 to about 1 inches pinning the strips 32 of the sheet 20 for binding by engagement with the retention members 42. The resilient design of the prongs can reduce assembly time while maintaining accuracy in assembly.

Referring to FIG. 19, a process flow diagram illustrates pom formation. Pom formation includes at least bunching a sheet, holding the sheet, optionally repeating (bunching and holding) with additional sheets, and binding the bunched sheets. In box 2080, a sheet 20 is bunched. As previously mentioned, the sheet 20 is bunched while maintaining alignment of its slits 34 along the centerline 35. In box 2082, the sheet 20 is held in place. In the illustrative embodiment, the sheet 20 is held in place by pinning at least one of its strips 32. In box 2084, optionally, one or more additional sheets 20 can be bunched and held depending on the desired final properties of the pom 10. In box 2086, the one or more bunched sheets 20 are bound. In the illustrative embodiment, the tie 44 is secured around the sheets 20 along their slits 34 and tightened to bind the sheets 20 and form the core 16. Accordingly, such pom formation promotes the accuracy of the form of the pom and can reduce assembly time, reduce waste, and/or increase consistency of the pom.

The present disclosure includes slit lengths of about 0.7 to about 1.125 inches. The present disclosure includes links 36 having longitudinal lengths within a range of about 0.18 to about 0.25 inches. In some embodiments, the fingers 12 may be omitted by omitting the cuts 22. In some embodiments, the number of fingers 12 may be increased or decreased by applying greater or fewer cuts 22 respectively along the longitudinal side edges. The present disclosure includes preferred spacing between prongs of a hold device which may be a distance of about 0.75 to about 1 inches. In some embodiments, the distance may consider the material properties of the sheet, for example, the stretch of the material fabric. Such critical dimensions themselves can define significant unexpected improvements over the previous designs providing enhance strength, accuracy, and/or form of the pom and/or enhancing the ease, speed, and/or consistency of assembly. The distance between the prongs may apply to any of the disclosed embodiments.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the foregoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A pom-pom for creating an entertaining effect, the pom-pom comprising: a number of sheets each extending longitudinally for a length between ends and having a width defined between longitudinal sides, the sheets each including: at least two strips extending between the longitudinal ends and divided by a longitudinal line of slits, adjacent slits separated from each other by a link, and a number of fingers extending from each of the strips, the fingers being defined between slices in the sheet that extend between one respective strip and one corresponding longitudinal side of the sheet, each finger having a bound end connected with the respective strip and a loose end defined at the longitudinal side of the sheet to form an outer shape of the pom-pom, and a tie for binding the links into a core, the tie arranged along the line of slits and binding the links into the core by tight circumferential extension about the links to compress the links relative to the strips.
 2. The pom-pom of claim 1, wherein the slits each have a length within a range of 0.7 to 1.125 inches.
 3. The pom-pom of claim 1, wherein the links each have a length within a range of 0.18 to 0.25 inches.
 4. The pom-pom of claim 1, wherein the tie is arranged to tightly bind the links to form retention bodies to maintain the tie along the slits.
 5. The pom-pom of claim 1, wherein at least one of the number of sheets is formed of stretchy and resilient material.
 6. The pom-pom of claim 1, wherein at least one of the number of sheets is formed of material different from another one of the number of sheets.
 7. The pom-pom of claim 1, wherein each finger has the same shape and size.
 8. The pom-pom of claim 1, wherein each finger is arranged opposite another finger relative to the line of slits.
 9. The pom-pom of claim 1, wherein the number of sheets includes at least two sheets bound together by the tie.
 10. The pom-pom of claim 8, wherein the at least two sheets are arranged bunched and stacked together aligning their slits.
 11. The pom-pom of claim 1, wherein the number of sheets are bound by the tie to define a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere of the outer shape of the pom-pom as spherical.
 12. The pom-pom of claim 1, wherein the number of sheets includes at least two sheets that are bound by the tie to define the first hemisphere and the second hemisphere of the outer shape and a first portion of each of the at least two sheets forms the first hemisphere and second portion of each of the at least two sheets forms the second hemisphere.
 13. A method of forming a pom-pom for creating an entertaining effect including a number of sheets each extending longitudinally for a length between ends and having a width defined between longitudinal sides, the sheets each including: at least two strips extending between the longitudinal ends and divided by a longitudinal line of slits, adjacent slits separated from each other by a link, and a number of fingers extending from each of the strips, the fingers being defined between slices in the sheet that extend between one respective strip and one corresponding longitudinal side of the sheet, each finger having a bound end connected with the respective strip and a loose end defined at the longitudinal side of the sheet to form an outer shape of the pom-pom; and a tie for binding the links into a core, the tie arranged along the line of slits and binding the strips into the core by tight circumferential extension about the links to compress the links relative to the strips; the method comprising bunching each of the number of sheets, holding at least one of the strips in place, binding each of the number of sheets by tightening the tie about the links along the slits.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the slits each have a length within a range of 0.7 to 1.125 inches.
 15. The pom-pom of claim 14, wherein the links each have a length within a range of 0.18 to 0.25 inches.
 16. The pom-pom of claim 13, wherein the number of sheets includes at least two sheets.
 17. The pom-pom of claim 16, wherein bunching the number of sheets includes bunching one of the at least two sheets and bunching another one of the at least two sheets.
 18. The pom-pom of claim 17, wherein holding at least one of the strips includes holding at least one of the strips of the one of the at least two sheets and holding at least one of the strips of the another one of the at least two sheets.
 19. The pom-pom of claim 18, wherein holding at least one of the strips includes holding at least one of the strips of each of the one of the at least two sheets and holding at least one of the strips of the another one of the at least two sheets to align their lines of slits.
 20. The pom-pom of claim 13, wherein holding at least one of the strips includes pinning at least one of the strips of at least one of the bunched sheets with at least one prong of a holding means for retaining the at least one bunched sheet in position for binding. 